Griffith (~11060’) by Avalanche Chute

pics by Harlan W. S.
May 09, 2009

I started way too late—after 9:20 at the trail. It was above 90F in Vegas, and then snow was already soft in the chute. I post-holed to my chest several times. I had near-continuous snow from 8500’ to the summit.

This is a good chute for testing snow equipment. In a typical year, snow persists into May or even early June. The overall gradient is modest (26º), but there is an alternation of low and high slopes, so often there is a good run-out for practice. Care must be taken near the cliff bands, especially in a glissading descent.

	Still on trail; lower part of chute comes into view.	Much of the chute is ~ 30º
	View up.	Awwww, how cute!
Cliff bands were obnoxious.	Looking up, near top of peak.	The route from Harris Springs was almost snow-free.
	Arrogance.	West toward Charleston.
Back down, E to Griffith.	The wide chute on descent. Hidden cliff bands were a problem.	Waterfalls on the downclimb by cliff bands.
Tracks up on L, butt-slide on R.	Almost down! One more cliff band.